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MARY ARENDS

MARY ARENDS

Mary June Arends, 88, went home to be with her savior on July 26, 2020 after a short stay at the Madrid Home in Madrid, Iowa.

Mary was born to William (Bill) and Ida Stone on May 26, 1932 in Story County. She attended Cameron Country School as a child and graduated from Gilbert High School in 1949. She married Merlin Arends on March 15, 1951. Mary and Merlin had 4 children in which Mary served her family with love and faithfulness. She was a hard worker and in addition to raising her children, would often help with field work and chores. Mary worked at Iowa State University for 25 years and was well respected by those she worked alongside.

Mary enjoyed traveling with family and serving in their church, Calvary Baptist in Webster City, Iowa. During Mary and Merlin’s years at Calvary Baptist, they helped with the youth group, vacation bible school, and AWANA. Mary trusted Jesus as her personal savior as a young girl and the reflection of Jesus was seen in her sweet spirit.

Mary faithfully loved and cared for her husband, Merlin, until he went home to be with the Lord in 1999. She moved from the family farm in January of 2018 to Huxley, Iowa.

Mary is survived by her son, Bill (Harriet) of Huxley, Iowa; her daughter, Linda (Randy) Davis of North Liberty, Iowa. Grandchildren: Will (Dawn) Arends, Jeremy (Kamber) Arends, Felicia Davis, Tonya Davis, Greg Mostrom, Ben Mostrom; 10 great-grandchildren and 2 nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin Arends; her parents, Bill and Ida Stone; her sister, Marjorie Dahl; her daughter, Sheila Sue Arends; her daughter, Sandra Riggs; her grandson, David Robertson.

Funeral services will be held at Slater Baptist Church, 601 Story St., Slater, Iowa on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 2:00 PM with a brief visitation before the service from 1-2:00 PM. Graveside services will be held at Lawn Hill Cemetery in Stanhope, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the Baptist Children’s Home and condolences may be shared at www.optfuneral.com of facebook.com/optfuneral.